Maya History
The earliest sign of the Maya settlement can be found around 1800 B.C. They were an impressive civilization, reaching their peak by about sixth century A.D., and excelled in agriculture, mathematics, the arts of pottery, hieroglyphs and symbolism, and even came up with their own calendar. Beginning at about 250 A.D. the Maya experienced what is now called the classic age, which was marked by massive geographical growth, construction of temples and cities, flourishing language and dialect, blossoming artistry, and an improved ability to apply mathematics and astronomical studies.
All this growth came to an abrupt and mysterious end around 900 A.D. as one by one, cities were abandoned and the civilization collapsed.
All this growth came to an abrupt and mysterious end around 900 A.D. as one by one, cities were abandoned and the civilization collapsed.
Maya Geography
The Maya civilization was not as far spread as other mesoamerican civilizations. For this reason, they remained more insulated from outside attack, division, and influence. The Maya developed three separate cultural and environmental differences, yet thrived with that diversity. The first of these three was located over the Yucatan Peninsula, known then as the northern Mayan lowlands. The second was called the southern lowlands and was comprised of what we now call northern Guatemala, and western Honduras. The southern Maya highlands are the third and comprised of what we now know as the mountainous region of southern Guatemala.
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